Grants for State Governments

The 2024 Sustainable Communities Grant Program, a collaborative effort between Delmarva Power and the Delaware Nature Society (DelNature), aims to distribute $35,000 to support open space and resiliency projects within Delmarva Power's service area in Delaware and Maryland. This program continues Delmarva Power's commitment to sustainability, having already provided over $235,000 in grants for similar projects since 2020. The initiative aligns with both organizations' missions to foster environmental well-being and community strength. The program targets municipalities, recreational authorities, and nonprofits operating within the Delmarva Power service area. The grants, each up to $10,000, are designed to fund projects demonstrating significant impact across several key areas. The overarching impact goals are to strengthen natural systems and provide reliable community resources in emergencies, thereby addressing the realities of climate change and increasing extreme weather events. The grant program prioritizes projects focusing on Open Space Preservation, Conservation & Habitat Improvements, Environmental Conservation, and Community Resiliency. Community Resiliency is a broad focus, encompassing community engagement and education regarding resiliency, the purchase of energy storage solutions, and solar installations, including mobile solar units. This holistic approach ensures that projects can address various facets of environmental and community preparedness. Expected outcomes include enhanced natural systems, increased community preparedness for severe weather, and innovative solutions for emergency resource provision. The program encourages initiatives that not only mitigate the effects of climate change but also build resilience within communities. By funding projects that strengthen natural systems and offer reliable resources during emergencies, the program aims to achieve measurable improvements in local sustainability and safety.

This competition provides funding and support for teams developing innovative high-temperature seismic sensors to improve geothermal energy monitoring and enhance the understanding of subsurface conditions.

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife’s Office of Spill Prevention and Response (CDFW-OSPR) is offering a grant program through its Environmental Enhancement Fund (EEF). The EEF acquires funds from spill violations, aligning with California’s Lempert-Keene-Seastrand Oil Spill Prevention and Response Act. This initiative directly supports CDFW-OSPR's mission to protect and restore California's natural resources by funding projects that enhance, restore, or acquire habitat for wildlife. The primary beneficiaries of these grants are various entities including nonprofit organizations, cities, counties, districts, state agencies, and, where permitted, federal agencies. The ultimate impact goal is to benefit fish and wildlife populations by improving their habitats and restoring ecosystem functions. All eligible groups and projects are strongly encouraged to apply, fostering a broad approach to environmental enhancement. The program prioritizes environmental enhancement projects that are located within or immediately adjacent to waters of the state, as defined in California Government Code (of Section 8670.3). These projects must also demonstrate measurable outcomes within a predetermined timeframe and be specifically designed to acquire, restore, or improve habitat or restore ecosystem function, or both, for the benefit of fish and wildlife. The selection committee, composed of representatives from the California Coastal Conservancy, the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, and CDFW-OSPR, will evaluate proposals based on these criteria. Expected outcomes include tangible improvements in habitat quality, increased biodiversity, and enhanced ecosystem resilience. Projects are required to have measurable outcomes, ensuring accountability and demonstrating the effectiveness of the funded initiatives. The selection committee is specifically seeking projects with a minimum requested grant award of $500,000, indicating a focus on substantial and impactful projects. All projects must be completed by April 1, 2031, providing a clear timeframe for implementation and results. This strategic approach reflects a theory of change where targeted investment in habitat restoration and acquisition directly leads to the recovery and enhancement of California's diverse fish and wildlife populations.

Creative Engagement is a program designed to assist Manhattan-based artists, arts groups, and community-focused organizations in securing public and private funding to present arts activities to the public. It is overseen by the Lower Manhattan Cultural Council (LMCC) and is funded through a combination of City funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs’ Greater New York Arts Development Fund, State funds from the New York State Council on the Arts’ (NYSCA) Statewide Community Regrants program, and additional funds from the Howard Gilman Foundation. This program specifically targets artists and organizations that may not be able to directly apply to these larger agencies for arts funding, thereby acting as a crucial entry point for many applicants, often providing their first grant and helping to leverage further support. The program's mission aligns with supporting the arts at a grassroots level, fostering public access to a diverse range of artistic expressions, and building capacity within the arts community, particularly for those who might otherwise face barriers to funding. By offering technical assistance, networking opportunities, and promotional support, Creative Engagement not only provides financial aid but also helps develop the professional capabilities and visibility of its grantees. The underlying theory of change suggests that by empowering individual artists and smaller organizations, the program contributes to a more vibrant and accessible arts landscape within Manhattan. Creative Engagement primarily targets individual artists and collectives, as well as nonprofit organizations, all based in Manhattan. For nonprofit organizations, eligibility requires a core artistic mission or history of arts programming, proof of nonprofit status, and a commitment to not directly apply to DCLA (GNYADF) or NYSCA (Statewide Community Regrants) funds in another county/borough for the same fiscal year. Individual artists must also be Manhattan-based and cannot apply on behalf of an organization. Collectives must designate a lead artist who meets these individual artist criteria. First-time applicants are required to attend an information session webinar, ensuring they are well-prepared for the application process. The program prioritizes projects across various artistic disciplines, including performing, literary, media, and visual arts. This encompasses a broad spectrum from folk/traditional forms to contemporary and socially-engaged artistic practices. Supported activities are diverse, ranging from concerts, performances, public art, exhibitions, and screenings to festivals, workshops, and readings. The expected outcomes include an increase in publicly accessible arts activities across Manhattan, enhanced capacity and sustainability for individual artists and small arts organizations, and the fostering of new and diverse artistic voices. Measurable results could include the number of grants awarded, the number of public events supported, and feedback from participants and audiences on the impact of the funded projects. Grants are awarded in specific amounts of $4,000, $8,000, and $12,000, depending on the number of funding sources an applicant is eligible for, indicating a structured approach to resource allocation.

This grant provides funding and technical support to innovators and organizations developing sustainable solutions for reusing and repurposing end-of-life products, promoting a circular economy and reducing waste.

The Central Louisiana Community Foundation's Opportunity Grants Program offers small grants ranging from $250 to $2,000 to eligible organizations within the 12-parish region it serves. This program aligns with the foundation's broader mission of fostering community impact by providing accessible funding for diverse initiatives. The grants are intended to support programs with a duration of 12 months or less, ensuring a focused and timely impact on the local communities. Target beneficiaries for these grants include a wide array of 501(C)3 organizations, such as churches, hospitals, medical research organizations, schools, colleges, and universities. Additionally, 501(C)19 organizations, government entities, and pre-approved Louisiana not-for-profits that align with the CLCF's mission are eligible. The primary impact goal is to support programs and organizations that directly benefit the communities within the Central Louisiana Community Foundation's service area. The program prioritizes initiatives that take place within the CLCF's 12-parish service region and are domiciled there. While not explicitly stated as "strategic priorities" or a "theory of change," the program's focus on small, short-term grants suggests a strategy of enabling numerous localized efforts that contribute to the overall well-being of the region. This approach allows the foundation to support a diverse range of community needs without committing to long-term, large-scale projects through this specific program. Expected outcomes include the successful implementation of various community-focused projects by eligible organizations. Measurable results would depend on the individual projects funded, but the program structure implies a goal of fostering numerous, smaller-scale positive impacts across the service area. The program also allows organizations to receive both a Community Impact grant and an Opportunity grant in the same calendar year, provided they are for different purposes, further expanding the potential for positive outcomes within the community. Exclusions for funding highlight areas where the foundation does not provide support through this program, such as annual fundraising campaigns, endowment creation, debt payment, political purposes, or personnel and capital expenses. These exclusions help define the program's scope and ensure that the grants are directed towards specific programmatic activities that directly benefit the community. The program's design, therefore, implicitly outlines a strategic approach to grantmaking that emphasizes direct community benefit and operational support for diverse non-profit and governmental initiatives within Central Louisiana.

The **California Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery (CalRecycle)** administers the **Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Grant Program** to help local governments develop and operate safe, effective systems for managing household hazardous waste. This program provides financial assistance to improve public health and environmental protection by reducing the improper disposal of hazardous materials such as paints, batteries, solvents, and cleaning agents. Through funding and technical support, CalRecycle enables communities across California to expand their waste prevention, recycling, and education efforts in ways that make long-term environmental stewardship more sustainable. Each year, approximately **$1.5 million** is allocated to this program, depending on available state funding. The grants support a wide range of activities related to household hazardous waste management. Eligible projects may include **public education campaigns** that teach residents how to reduce or safely dispose of hazardous materials; **source reduction programs** that minimize waste generation at its origin; **reuse and recycling initiatives** that recover valuable resources from discarded items; and **collection systems**, such as drop-off facilities and mobile collection events. Funding can also support **load-check programs**, which prevent hazardous materials from entering municipal solid waste streams. Eligibility is limited to **local governments and entities directly responsible for HHW management** in California. This includes cities, counties, and combined city-county jurisdictions, as well as **regional or local sanitation and waste management agencies**. **Joint Powers Authorities (JPAs)** with solid or hazardous waste management responsibilities may also apply. In addition, **Qualifying Tribal Entities** are eligible if they are federally recognized or can demonstrate governmental authority consistent with the program’s requirements. The inclusion of tribal governments reflects CalRecycle’s commitment to equitable access and environmental justice throughout the state. The HHW Grant Program is an integral part of California’s broader environmental protection strategy, ensuring that hazardous materials are managed responsibly and that communities have the infrastructure needed to prevent pollution. Funded programs often enhance collaboration among local jurisdictions and provide residents with greater access to safe disposal and recycling options. By investing in education, prevention, and infrastructure, CalRecycle helps localities meet their sustainability goals while protecting natural resources, public health, and community well-being. Although the **most recent grant cycle is now closed**, the program typically operates on an annual basis, and future opportunities will continue to support innovative, community-driven approaches to hazardous waste management. Through ongoing investment in safe handling and waste reduction, CalRecycle reinforces California’s leadership in environmental sustainability and resource conservation.

This grant provides funding for interdisciplinary teams of graduate students, researchers, and industry professionals to explore and propose solutions for integrating renewable energy into the U.S. electric grid.

The Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Program is the U.S. Small Business Administrations (SBAs) largest matching grant-funded program providing quality service to the small business community. The SBDC Program has 63 Recipient Organizations - one in each state (with the exception of four regional SBDC networks in Texas and five regional networks in California), the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, American Samoa, Guam, and the Northern Mariana Islands. The Recipient Organization is responsible for establishing a Lead Center and a network of partner Service Centers to cover its designated area of service. The SBDC Program links the resources of Federal, state, and local governments with the resources of the educational community and the private sector to provide assistance to the small business community. In partnership with SBAs Office of Small Business Development Centers (OSBDC) and District Offices, SBDCs develop business counseling and training programs, informational tools, and other services that enhance the economic development goals and objectives of SBA, in their respective service areas, and their local funding partners.

This initiative provides up to $100,000 in technical assistance vouchers to businesses and organizations seeking to commercialize scientific innovations through collaboration with experts at U.S. Department of Energy National Laboratories.

This program provides financial incentives for individuals and organizations to replace or upgrade older locomotives, marine vessels, and equipment in Texas to reduce harmful nitrogen oxide emissions.

This program provides financial support to food retailers in Oklahoma to improve access to fresh and healthy food in underserved communities, particularly for low- and moderate-income populations.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to organizations working in Tanzania to improve HIV prevention and treatment services, strengthen local health systems, and promote health equity for people living with HIV.

The "WaterSMART Drought Response Program: Drought Resiliency Projects for Fiscal Year 2025" grant is designed to provide financial assistance for the development and implementation of comprehensive drought plans and projects that enhance long-term resilience to drought, with a focus on benefiting disadvantaged communities and promoting collaboration among various stakeholders to address water management issues.

The "Materials to Enhance Training in Experimental Rigor (METER)" grant aims to support the creation of innovative educational materials for an online platform, designed to improve understanding and application of rigorous biomedical research principles among researchers and scientists at different career stages.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to organizations in Maryland for projects focused on environmental restoration, climate resilience, and sustainable community development.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to veteran organizations and groups that engage veterans in therapeutic activities, outdoor recreation, and green jobs training.

The "Community Noise Mitigation Program" grant aims to provide $75 million in funding for noise reduction projects, particularly for sound insulation in facilities near active-duty military, guard, or reserve installations, with a focus on communities affected by new aircraft models after 2019, and the funds must be used within five years of the award date.

The "Earth and Environmental Systems Science in the Southeast U.S." grant aims to fund collaborative research that enhances understanding and modeling of ecosystems, atmospheric processes, and regional phenomena in the Southeast U.S., with a focus on vegetation, land-atmosphere interactions, spatial heterogeneity, convection, clouds, precipitation, biogenic aerosols, and extreme events.

The Healthy Environment, Healthy Communities Grant Program is a funding initiative by the Chesapeake Bay Trust that supports projects by various organizations to address environmental and public health issues through education, small-scale greening, and large-scale restoration in specific areas affected by wastewater treatment plants and energy companies.